Mapping Faith for Climate Action

Dive into the fascinating journey of Molly Burhans, a cartographer on a mission to map the Catholic Church's vast lands for climate change combat, as featured in MIT Technology Review. With humor, devotion, and GIS magic, she's uncovering acres of potential to turn faith into a force for environmental action. Discover how Burhans blends science, religion, and a touch of punk rock to inspire a greener future, all while navigating the challenges of being a young woman in a centuries-old institution.

Mapping a Greener Future

Imagine a world where every piece of land owned by the largest institutions contributes to a healthier planet. This is not just a dream but a mission for Molly Burhans, a Catholic cartographer combining her faith and expertise in geographic information system (GIS) mapping to tackle climate change. The Catholic Church, owning vast lands globally, has an untapped potential to lead in conservation and climate action. Burhans' journey from a grad student to a recognized environmental innovator showcases the power of combining data, technology, and a deep commitment to the planet. Her work is a vivid example of how understanding our world's geography can lead to actionable insights for environmental stewardship. This endeavor is not just about mapping land but about mapping a future where the church and its believers play a pivotal role in safeguarding Creation. This story could inspire you to think about how your interests and beliefs can intersect with global challenges, turning passion into impactful action.